TheJakartaPost
Please Update your browser
Your browser is out of date, and may not be compatible with our website. A list of the most popular web browsers can be found below.
Just click on the icons to get to the download page.
Tools for introverts in education: A paradigm shift
Sending students into a life without the ability to communicate is analogous to sending a soldier into battle without a weapon.
Change Size
Indonesian International Islamic University (UIII) rector Komaruddin Hidayat (center) hands a diploma to Samiullah Adel (left), a 33-year-old Master's degree graduate from Afghanistan, during the university's inaugural graduation ceremony on Aug. 31, 2023 in Depok, West Java. (Handout/Courtesy of UIII)
I
n today’s fast-paced world, dominated by digital media and characterized by short attention spans, the ability to communicate effectively and think critically has never been more vital. Despite this, our education system has a gap that could limit students' success, especially introverts.
This narrative believes deeply in the untapped potential of introverts, who often outshine their extroverted peers when given the right tools. One overlooked issue is the struggle many students face with extensive reading materials like books, journals, or articles. They often find themselves lost, not necessarily because of language barriers, but because their minds are not trained to focus deeply on long and complex information.
This challenge points to a larger problem. Our educational methods have not adequately prepared students to process and understand detailed, lengthy content.
Many introverts naturally lean into deep thinking, introspection and carefully adopting new processes. This tendency is particularly pronounced among students in Indonesia, where cultural factors play a significant role.
Hildred Geertz suggests that most children in Java are taught to venerate isin (shame), wedi (fear) and sungkan (a concept that goes beyond respect) during their childhood. This cultural upbringing may explain why traits typical of introverts are predominant, not necessarily in Bandung but notably in Yogyakarta.
When these students are introduced to structured ways of learning, such as in communication, critical thinking, or success strategies, they dive in headfirst, practicing with dedication and applying these methods effectively.
On the other hand, some extroverts, despite having a natural ease with communication, might not advance as far due to a lack of disciplined practice and openness to evolving their knowledge. Highlighting that success in communication and leadership is not just about being sociable or outgoing, it is about a willingness to learn, adapt and apply structured thinking and problem-solving strategies.
